Category: Jewelry

Sue Swanson
This necklace is made of size 11 seed beads and 4mm Swarovski crystals. It is made from the center outward with a geometrical bead weaving stitch using needle and thread. It is a delicate pendant that will make a lovely fashion accessory. All supplies will be provided for a $12 fee.

Kim Bakken-Parr
The Sami People are the indigenous people of Sweden, Norway, Finland, and the Kola Peninsula of Russia, and have a long history and tradition of reindeer breeding, Wanting to use all parts of the reindeer they make beautiful jewelry out of reindeer leather. In this class we will start by braiding pewter thread (nickel-free alloy with 4% silver) and sewing it to the reindeer leather. The back of the bracelet is stitched closed using sinew thread and a button clasp made from shed reindeer antler tips is attached. All tools are provided, but if you need magnification for this close hand work, please bring your own. Additional kits will be be available to purchase from the instructor.

Kim Bakken-Parr
In the morning students will work with Precious Metal Clay (PMC) to create fine silver charms. The clay will be rolled, texture, dried, and then kiln fired. This is like working with sticky “Play-Doh”. The afternoon will start with students making their own sterling silver bracelets by using pliers to connect sterling jump rings. How jump rings are made will be demonstrated, and students will be given the opportunity to make their own if they choose. The class will finish with connecting the charms to the bracelet. All tools are provided. Bring a lunch.

Kim Bakken-Parr
Do you have a broken or chipped piece of grandma’s china that you can’t part with because of sentimental reasons? Imagine turning it into a beautiful piece of fine silver jewelry. Precious Metal Clay (PMC) will be wrapped around a china piece before adding a jump ring and attaching it to a necklace. The same technique can also be used to make earrings and bracelets. The pieces will be fired the same day and students will be able to take home a piece of jewelry that is 99.9% pure silver. Bring your own special piece of broken china if you like. China dishes will be supplied to those who need them. All tools are provided. Bring a lunch.

Sue Swanson
This colorful, geometric bracelet is made with the off-loom technique called Peyote Stitch. The stitch is versatile and easy to do. The pattern is an excellent introduction to seed bead weaving because the rows are very short and the geometrical patterns are easy to see. The Japanese Delica cylinder beads tile together to give this bracelet a flat, sleek look.

Louise French
Ply-split braiding is an interlacement technique found in northwest India, where men make girths, bags, and other accessories for camels. We use this technique to make decorative pieces such as necklaces, bracelets, belts and vessels. In this class you will learn the basics of ply-splitting by making a key fob and a bracelet. Bring to class: Task light, lunch or snack.

Sue Swanson
The word ‘bead’ comes from the middle English word bede, which means ‘to pray’. We will discuss the origin and development of prayer beads throughout the world and how they are used today. We will create a bracelet using a wide selection of beads including gemstone, glass and metal. The Circle of Life Meditation design was created by Sue to demonstrate the principles of sacred geometry that are present in many cultures. Each person will have an opportunity to talk about their bracelet and how they plan to use it. We will close by using the bracelets together.

Katherine Buenger
In this class you will use tin thread made in Sweden from wire wrapped around a cotton core. The wire is 96% pewter and 4% silver with no nickel or lead. We’ll learn how to make five strand braids and then use the braid to create a necklace! Students can choose the necklace length and thread width. Closures are made with reindeer leather and a choice of either antler duffle button and antler ring or stone donut in a variety of color choices.

Kim Bakken-Parr
This advanced class uses the same skills learned in the beginning Sami Bracelet class and adds another technique. But never fear – if you have not taken the beginning class you are still welcome in this class! The assembly process is the same and the pewter thread is braided and twisted, this technique just requires more hand sewing If you need magnification for the close hand work, please bring your own. Bring a lunch.

Sharriah Armstrong
Dive into the creative process of combining beautiful jewelry and aromatherapy activated by your own body heat. We will begin this workshop by making a lava and gemstone mala diffuser bracelet while also exploring some of the health and wellness benefits of essential oils (essential oils will not be sold but are available to sample). Mala bracelets are traditionally tailored to your specific intentions and worn as a reminder of the goals and affirmation that you are working on in your life. We’ll learn about possible gemstones and color combinations that represent particular intentions that resonate with you. The instructor will provide the beads, oil diffusing lava beads, string, etc. You are welcome to make as many bracelets as you’d like. Make it an afternoon with friends or a special bonding experience with a child or partner. Invite a few friends, the more the merrier!